Reminding ourselves why we make Cairns Home.
There was a mammoth flights sale last week, which hopefully will bring some much-needed new activity into town, especially with the much awaited return of interstate tourism as borders open some time next month.
In the meantime though, its worth rediscovering as locals just how much there is to love about where we live, and what it is that those southern visitors are so enamoured by that they not only keep coming back, but often plant one foot on the ground here with a property purchase.
Lets start at the heart of things with our Cairns CBD – for all the hard time it might get about presentation, its certainly come a long way since I was a child growing up here and with the Council’s renewed vigour and vision, we should see an even bigger and better version emerge soon. Pending that, having world-class restaurants, friendly cafes and an energetic nightlife are all reasons to be spending more time in the City.
For those that prefer the sand between their toes, Palm Cove remains as good a place as any to stroll, whether its with a coffee or in between cocktails or dinner and dessert. I’ve taken the time for a couple of recent visits and once again have been impressed with both the location and the service from staff that seemed genuinely excited to be greeting guests once again.
Heading further up the coast, there is Ellis Beach for a quieter stop, particularly good on a Sunday afternoon, and of course picturesque Port Douglas, where for the moment locals have Four Mile Beach to themselves.
Getting on the water, reef and island trips are once again on the menu and with local discounts in place as well, there has never been a better time to go and explore what we’ve been hiding in our own backyard. Tinaroo is also back to welcoming guests as camping returns with limited numbers.
If more of a road trip is on your mind, then its hard to beat combining the waterfalls of the Tablelands with a visit to chocolate, cheese and wine makers – a wonderful trip by any stretch.
There is plenty more to see and enjoy both closer and further afield, and a million things I have missed no doubt, but make sure you take the time to think and enjoy, all those many things we are lucky enough to have here in our Region, that make us happy to call it home.